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A fully funded 2-year postdoctoral position in the field of CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing is available from February 2018, or as soon as possible thereafter, in the lab of assistant professor Rasmus O. Bak, Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Denmark.

The group
We are a newly founded research group with expertise in CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing particularly in human hematopoietic stem cells. We study general aspects of the CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing system for developing this technology for biological studies and preclinical therapeutic purposes. The general methodology is centered on the combination of Cas9 ribonucleoprotein (RNP) delivery by electroporation and homologous donor DNA delivery by transduction of recombinant AAV vectors. The laboratory techniques range from plasmid cloning, human cell culture assays, western blotting, viral vector production, flow cytometry, and immunophenotyping to in vivo studies of human hematopoietic repopulation in immunodeficient mice transplanted with engineered human hematopoietic stem cells. The group is well funded by a recent major 5-year research grant from a private foundation.

The project
The project is focused on the therapeutic potential of CRISPR/Cas9 in correcting genetic diseases of the hematopoietic system. The project aims to address current bottlenecks in the methodology for applying the system to a wide range of hematopoietic disorders. The candidate will work on improving various aspects of existing techniques as well as developing novel approaches for in vivo delivery of gene editing components.

Qualifications
We seek a highly motivated candidate with a solid background in genetics, hematology and/or immunology. Expertise in standard molecular biology techniques and cell culture is critical, and experience with plasmid cloning, gene editing, AAV vector production, FACS, and mouse handling is highly desirable. The candidate is required to have strong skills in English and proven abilities to publish at a high international level with at least one first author publication. Motivation to work independently and be responsible for the daily management of his/her research project in coordination with other members of the group is expected. The candidate will also be actively involved in the training and co-supervision of other group members and students.

Place of employment and place of work
The place of employment is Aarhus University, Department of Biomedicine in the Bartholin Building at Bartholins Allé 6, 8000 Aarhus C., Denmark.